The Dwarf Gourami is a beautiful fish. Dwarf Gouramis are highly desired, due to their medium size and ease of care. They are also known for their ability to shoot water from their mouth outside of their aquarium, so try not to get wet.

Each Dwarf Gourami has an attitude of its own. Some are found to be peaceful or timid, and others will attack most fish they share space with. However, most Dwarf Gourami will get along rather well in community aquariums, if their tankmates are of a similar size. Dwarf Gourami may fight with each other. To avoid this, try to get fish that are of a similar color pattern. Dwarf Gourami should be kept in large tanks with dense plant and rock decoration. Live plants may be eaten.

Dwarf Gourami are very stunning and beautiful. They have bodies with varying colors, mostly yellow and blue. Dwarf Gourami are somewhat iridescent, and will slightly change colors. At maturity, the Dwarf Gourami will reach an average size of 4 to 5 centimeters, though some individuals can grow as large as 6 or 7 centimeters. Males will be brightly colored, while the female will be more of a gray color.

The Dwarf Gourami, or Colisa ialia, is originally from India.

Dwarf Gouramis will usually thrive in waters with a temperature range from 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. A pH level of 6 to 8 will be acceptable for the Dwarf Gourami. Their diet includes fresh zucchini, lettuce, peas, spinach, live brine shrimp, bloodworms, glass worms, tubifex worms and frozen, freeze dried and flakes. A varying diet is very important to the Dwarf Gourami.

The Gourami can breathe oxygen from the air through their labyrinth (like the Betta). Therefore, it is important that the surface of the water be exposed to the air. For this reason it is important to use a hood that allows air ventilation into the tank. If you are using good air pumps this is not always needed, since the air pumps will refresh the air at the water surface. Additionally, because they will take air from the surface of the water they are susceptible to airborne chemicals such as carpet cleaner or air freshener; so avoid using them around your tank.

The Dwarf Gourami is a fairly easy fish to breed. Several hundred fry will be produced at each spawning. Males will build a bubble nest at the surface and will guard the nest and fry.